Daily Tip Journal

Does Some Wine (or Beer) Trigger Your Food Allergies?

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 23:13:07 +0000

Have an allergic/sensitive reaction after drinking certain wines but not others? Beer, of course is made with wheat and barley, so if you have celiac disease or an allergy to these grains, find a gluten-free beer that you like. However, if you have multiple food allergies, or are vegan, wine and beer both have "fining agents" that can be

bone marrow
casien (milk)
egg albumum derived from egg whites
shellfish shell fiber (called "chitin")
fish oil
gelatin (dervied from animal parts)
gelatin (derived from fish membranes)

... Some wines have even used grains, although in my own research it seems this practice is not as prevalent anymore. I've started researching this more deeply, and glad to find this article on Lifehacker confirming my suspicions. Does this answer any burning questions?

There is the great debate about how distillation and refining of alcoholic beverages breaks down the proteins so that the immune system doesn't see the allergen anymore. Being a canary in a coal mine, myself, I can tell, with one sip, if a beverage contains my allergens - distilled out or not. Even if a so-labeled potato vodka has a mix of refined grain alcohols in the bottle, my body reacts nearly instantly. If it does not, I have no problem. The fining agents, however, are not distilled out of the beverage, so even if you are not a creature of great sensitivity like myself, but still have allergies, this is something of which to be aware.

What can you do?

Look for unfined wines or unfinished wines as a start. There are no laws requiring labeling of fining agents in alcoholic beverages, so you will not find them on the label. Unfined wines might be a little more cloudy, but this will clear up with time. Besides, its better to be safe and drink cloudy wine.

Barnivore has a great list of vegan wines. So if you are allergic to dairy, fish, or animal products, this is another great place to do your own research.

Here are a couple of articles on the subject:

Why Wine Can Trigger Your Food Allergies

Not All Wine is Vegan, and Here's Why

Chef Tip: Store Onion Ends in Freezer for Use in Stocks & Broths

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 22:15:49 +0000

Do you ever feel wasteful after you peel and chop an onion, and have to throw away your onion ends? Throw 'em in the freezer in a ziplock freezer bag and use in bone broths, meat broths and soup stocks. When you take out the bones and herbs, take out the onion ends, too. You don't even have to peel, and definately don't thaw them. Just throw 'em in as is.

Chef Tip: Use Your Celery Leaves for Flavor!

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 23:25:28 +0000

Do you throw your celery leaves away? Don't! The leaves add HUGE flavor to soups, stocks, stews, sauces, roasted birds, and more. How do you use your celery leaves?

FDA Issues Warning About Lupin in Gluten-free Foods for those with Legume Allergies

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 09:16:41 +0000

Lupin isn't just a professor in a J.K. Rolling novel, or an absolutely beautiful flower. It is a generally harmless food that can trigger allergies in some people. It is now being used more in the United States as an ingredient in gluten-free foods.

We've discussed lupin (a legume) here in 2012 and a Norwegian study conducted earlier that year (read more). While the FDA has its list of top 8 allerges, European countries have their list of top allergens as well, and Lupin is one of the them. But now, it is showing up in gluten-free foods in the United States. The FDA has issued a warning for those with legume and peanut allergies to include lupin in your label reading. It might be wise to discuss with your doctor/allergist and include it also in your allergen testing.

Here is one of the articles from Prevention Magazine: http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/fda-warns-about-lupin-allergy-gluten-free-foods

Use Banana Peels to Nourish Plants & Keep Away Pests

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 14:09:00 +0000

Bananas are loaded with Vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, potassium, and copper, not to mention a great source of fiber. Studies have shown that bananas also help regulate blood pressure, are good for the heart, and help support a certain type of good bacteria, called bifidobacteria, in the gut.

Read more fascinating health benefits from & studies about bananas from The World's Healthiest Foods.

Did you also know that the peels help feed your plants, especially roses and tomatoes? Chop up the peels and bury at the base of the plant once a month. You can even put them in the blender with some water and pour on the soil around the plant. The peels decompose with ease, and help give any plant in your garden some essential nutrients, including micronutrients that plant life needs. The chopped peels also repel aphids, so you get a double dose of goodness for your plants, and save some space in the landfill. Since the peels decompose so easily, those of us who are a little lazy can just throw the peels on the dirt. However, whole peels could attract rodents, where chopped or blended peels do not.

Chef Tip: Pot Boiling Over? Place a Wooden Spoon on It.

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 00:04:47 +0000

If you are like me, you are easily distracted in the kitchen, and not terribly patient. I've spent many a 5-minute interval waiting for that pot to boil. As soon as I turn my back to accomplish an actual task, the contents of the pot are all over the stove.

A simple solution is a wooden spoon. Place it over the top of your pot, and it absorbs and bursts the bubbles enough to keep the liquid in the pot where it belongs. This actually works.

Your 5 minute intervals are no longer lost in wasted waiting. You're welcome.

Product Love: Allergy Tattoos

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Thu, 01 May 2014 19:22:13 +0000

Allergy bracelets, necklaces.. and now tattoos? Here's another way to help alert others to your child's food allergies. What do you think, parents?

Safety Tats are water proof, smudge proof and last a few days. Great for a party, or when your kids are at camp if they have one or two severe allergies. If your child has multiple allergies, your little one could truly look like an air mailed package, and will run out of body parts to tattoo!

Here's Safety Tats website: www.safetytat.com

Here's the news story.

Visit Facebook: SafetyTat: Kids temporary safety tattoos

Two Advantages of Buying from Small, Local Farms

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:32:37 +0000

There are many, many advantages for you, for the farmer, and for society at large to buy from small, local farms.

Here are two: 1) if organic, the farmer helps control pesticide use, incl. GMO seed 2) Small farms help keep the soil's immune system healthy by rotating & heirloom crops and by employing other practices that large farms do not. The soil's immune system is like ours - it needs variety & healthy bacteria and practices that continue to infuse it w/ nutrients (not strip).

Learn where your state ranks in local farming and food: The 2014 Locavore Index: See Where Your State Ranks in Local Food

A chemical in certain pesticides that are used world wide, including pesticide containing GMO seeds / plants that are allowed only in the United States, are suspected to play a part in the massive bee death that is occuring in the United States and around the world right now. We need our polinators, without them, we have no food.

Health Canada issued a report in September indicating that detectable residues of neonicotinoid insecticides used to treat corn and soybean seeds were found in large numbers of dead bee samples taken in 2013.

"Residues of neonicotinoid insecticides were detected in samples from approximately 80 per cent of the beekeepers for which samples have been analyzed."

Read more: http://london.ctvnews.ca/environmental-groups-want-pesticide-makers-to-release-bee-death-studies-1.1746839#ixzz30OOLvmK7

Here's a study being done on what this pesticide is doing to the gut bacteria of bees:

Pesticide exposure and pathogens may interact to have strong negative effects on managed honey bee colonies. Such findings are of great concern given the large numbers and high levels of pesticides found in honey bee colonies.

How to Read Egg Carton Labels

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:04:30 +0000

If you are confused and concerned by egg labeling, you are not alone. When you read what each label allows or disallows, it is in one moment comforting, and in the next, shocking. For instance, Cage-Free allows the chickens who lay the eggs to roam free, but does not guarantee that they are exposed to sunlight and also allows beak cutting, a gruesome practice to keep the chickens from pecking each other in close quarters.

So read more, and consider getting your eggs from a local farm with a reputation you can count on.

This simple graphic from Willy Blackmore, Take Part's food editor helps us make better decisions when we feel the chill of the refrigerator aisle and reach for those cartons.

Click the graphic to make it bigger and more readable.

Via: TakePart.com

Exercise Brings Oxygen to Cells

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:50:09 +0000

It's spring, and if you are struggling with immune issues, or paralyzed when you think of putting on that bkikii this year, here is a little motivation to get you moving. It's important, even if you are struggling with your health.

When we move, it improves our circulation. Circulation carries the nutrients and oxygen to our cells, the building blocks of our bodies. Oxygen nourishes, but it also can help you ward off infection since, as Dr. Keri Topouzian puts it, "most bugs don't like oxygen".

If your body needs energy when you are ill, but is not getting the nutrients it needs because of malabsorption, for instance, one of the first places it goes for extra nutrients is the muscle. So help your body provide itself nutrients and find some activity that works for you.

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds for Household Cleaning

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:42:43 +0000

This product is gluten-free and made without harsh chemicals, yet cleans SO, so very well, and has so many uses!

So, despite the crazy label (and partly because of it), I love this soap for household cleaning. All of Dr. Bronner's soaps spout the philosophy of this passionate soap maker who wanted a soap AND a world that is "All in one!" He uses a blend of Christian and Jewish philosophies, and words of great poets to make up his unique world, and preaches them right on the bottle. My eyes crossed when they first grazed the fine print, but a part of me has always wanted to meet the character behind those passionate words.

I've used the body soaps for decades now, heavily diluted (they are potent), as a body wash. I also use them to clean my tub and shower. If you mix the body soap and a little baking soda, you get the same gentle abrasive cleaning as Soft Scrub. With our without the baking soda, it cleans much better and more safely than any other bathroom cleaner on the market. I mean, why use harsh chemicals on the tub into which you put your gorgeous body?

A friend of mine told me that she adds vinegar for a little more power on soap scum. The vinegar and baking soda will have a little harmless chemical reaction, which is fun, too.

So when I saw Sal Suds on the shelf, a product that claims to clean your whole house with just a few teaspoons in a bucket of water, and also does laundry and the dishes, I had to try it.

According to the label, "It is made with plant-based surfactants and natural fir needle and spruce essential oils (no cheap, harsh pine stump oil), without any synthetic dyes, fragrances or preservatives." It's biodegradable, and has a lovely, subtle pine scent.

Your clothes don't smell like perfume, and your house smells like a lovely home, not a recently disinfected New York City subway.

If you are highly sensitive to chemically based cleaners, this is a wonderful thing to have in the house. When I first did the laundry with it, I added a quarter cup, less than half of what I would add if using other concentrated detergents. Guess what? The suds were several inches deep, so I cut that amount in half, too! It's price tag is $13.99 for 32 oz., but it will last a very long time if you use it according to the directions.

Read a little history of the soap, Dr. Bronner himself, and some other uses for his products.

http://www.businessinsider.com/14-uses-for-dr-bronners-soaps-2013-11

Chef's Tip: Season from on high for even coverage

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 21:20:04 +0000

Pictured: Edison Grainery's Gluten-free HImalayan Pink SaltWhen you watch cooking shows, have you noticed that chefs raise their salt-filled hand high above the meat or veg? Is this just for show? Nope. It maybe showmanship, but it is also a matter of physics. If you salt or season from high, it allows the seasoning to fall in a much more even manner, and give your meat more even coverage so that one bite is no more salty than the last.

Now go forth ye, and season like a pro.

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Carrington Farms Organic Coconut Oil

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:15:34 +0000

It isn't just the big bottle at a reasonable price that I love about Carrington Farms cold pressed, unrefined, organic coconut oil, I love the consistency and taste. I also love the care that they take in their processing of their products.

Coconut oil itself is rich in medium chain fatty acids, which are very healthy, easy to digest, and do not put strain on the liver and gallbladder. Once thought to raise bad cholesterol, researchers have recently discovered that coconut oil, because it is a medium chain fatty acid, does not raise bad cholesterol at all. Scientists now believe that coconut oil lowers the risk of heart disease.

There are three types of fatty acids: short chain (SCFA), medium chain (MCFA), and long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Most oils, fats and processed foods contain LCFA.

Coconut oil, because of its caprylic and lauric acids, has also been researched and found to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and even anti-viral. It can be used by knowledgeable practitioners in therapeutic doses to treat certain conditions of the gut.

I use it in a practice called oil pulling to whiten my teeth and help keep the gums and mouth healthy.

In cooking, coconut oil has a very high smoke point. That means that it is safe to use at high temperatures.

The Dangers of Caramel Coloring

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 18:34:58 +0000

TODAY'S TIP: Readers often ask if caramel coloring has gluten (it can). It can also contain a carcinogen called 4-Mel. Long-term studies have shown that it CAUSED lung cancer in mice.

Caramel coloring can be derived from different grains, including barley (high in gluten) &/or corn. In the U.S, it appears to be mostly corn derived. As for the amount of gluten in caramel coloring, there are 2 sides of the argument here - one claims that gluten proteins (or other proteins) are distilled down too far to cause a reaction, while the other side questions this, since there is not testing or laws in place to prove otherwise, and also because there are a significant number of people whose personal experience is that they do react (allergic reaction or celiac reaction) to caramel coloring and other highly distilled grain products.

However, it isn't just people w/ celiac or allergies who should avoid it, we all need to for the sake of our health. Many soy sauces (many restaurant soy sauces list it as the 1st or 2nd ingredient), imitation maple syrup, cola, gravy, etc. contain caramel coloring that uses 4-Mel. And major brands use 4-Mel, acc. to a Consumer Reports study. One can of certain sodas can contain very high amounts, and most soda drinkers drink more than one can per day.

I hate the word, "should", but there are simply to many people w/ cancer and immune issues to softball this one.

Previous studies of 4-MeI have found long-term exposure to the chemical caused lung cancer in mice, according to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. That prompted the state to add 4-MeI to its list of potentially toxic chemicals under Proposition 65, which requires warning labels on products containing concerning levels of the chemical -- in this case 29 micrograms of 4-MeI per can or bottle.

Caramel coloring chemical linked to cancer found in "too high" levels in some colas

ByRyan JaslowCBS NewsJanuary 23, 2014, 12:13 PM

Dr. Oz, also did a segment on products containing 4-Mel. See it here.
Here's the story on NPR: Potential Carcinogen In Colas Has FDA Reviewing Data
The LA Times: Pepsi One contains higher level of carcinogen, report says

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Navitas Naturals Raw Cacao

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 04:29:06 +0000

UPDATE 5/13/16

Navitas started producing tapioca in their factories some time ago, so I am no longer able to use this powder because I have an anaphylactic response to tapioca. however, I picked up a package this week to show a friend, and the allegen statement has changed. It states that it processes the raw cacao in a factory that also produces wheat, dairy, peanuts and more. Please check with the company and the label to be sure that this product is safe for you to consume if you are sensitie or allergic to the top 8 allergnes.

--------------------------------------------------------

This is a fantastic chocolate powder to use in baking. It may be a little stronger than regular cocoa powder, but generally, I find that I like that and use it as a 1 to 1 replacement. This raw cacao is packed with nutrients and is utterly and simply delicious. My favorite all around.

"All of Navitas Naturals products are inherently gluten free and vegan. We do not source or process anything with gluten and therefore our entire production facility is gluten free. We do not have a gluten free certification at this point nor do we test for parts per million for each product, but are working toward doing so for the near future. Our foods are also all dairy free. Again we do not test for parts per million at this time, but no dairy is ever present in our facility."

~Arthur Mullin, Navitas Naturals

No Gluten: not sourced or processed with gluten, but not tested. In the process of getting gluten-free certification and performing a ppm test for gluten-free certification for raw cacao. Navitas Power Snack line is gluten-free certified.
No Dairy: no dairy is present in the facility, but not tested for dairy at this time.
Tree Nuts: facility processes tree nuts, but handles cashews only.
Soy: We do not test for parts per million for soy or peanuts. Our superfoods come from around the world and are grown in natural, native habitats. The risk for cross contamination with gluten, soy, or other legumes is extremely low and/or unlikely.
Peanuts: We do not test for parts per million for soy or peanuts. Our superfoods come from around the world and are grown in natural, native habitats. The risk for cross contamination with gluten, soy, or other legumes is extremely low and/or unlikely.
Sulfite Free: None of Navitas Naturals products contain sulfites

Organic: All products are certified organic and use minimal processing methods such as freeze-drying. The facility is certified organic.
GMO Status? Navitas Naturals products are Non-GMO Project Verified! That means they’ve met the rigorous standards of the Non-GMO Project- an independent non-profit reviewer that ensures products are made according to best practices for GMO avoidance. Organic Facility. Under current FDA regulations, no GMOs are allowed in organic foods.
Certified Kosher: "Most of our products are certified kosher through Earth Kosher. You can find more information at www.earthkosher.com."

Read the labels for your particular allergens at: http://navitasnaturals.com

Cholesterol-free egg substitutes can contain egg!

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:05:02 +0000

TODAY'S ALLERGEN TIP: Cholesterol free egg substitute (e.g. Eggbeaters®) can contain egg! Remember, some classic products were created for a different market - and during a different time. They weren't created to be allergen-free, but to market a product for the latest health demand. Allergens are different & can be immediately dangerous, so read your labels, and assume nothing!

Hidden Gluten: Low Fat Dairy? Yep.

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:00:24 +0000

If you are one of the lucky people who are allergic or sensitive to gluten, or have celiac disease, but not allergic to dairy, watch out for low fat dairy products. Gluten is a popular thickener that replaces the fat that the "low fat" people remove. Because of new labeling laws, you "should" see it on the label, however, gluten may not need to be labeled if it is distilled. Some people still react to allergens that are distilled.

Low fat is also often laced w/ sugar, as well as additives, so chances are you won't be missing any great health benefits if you pass up the low fat.

Hidden Gluten in Bacon? Here's How to Find the Right Gateway Meat.

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 11:00:49 +0000

Bacon: if it is made w/ smoke flavoring, the flavoring can be derived from various sources of gluten (including barley, and brewer's yeast. Brewer's yeast is a by product of beer.) A clue to safe bacon is that which is local, apple or hickory smoked - but call the manufacturer to double check.

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Barney Butter (Bare).

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:00:00 +0000

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Barney Butter (Bare). I LOVE this stuff. It's certified gluten-free, made in a peanut-free facility, non-GMO certified, and is blended so there is no oily separation AND no added sugar. It helps to keep baking w/ almond butter much more consistent. Love it. Keep up the good work, Barney peops.

(It also "bares" the name of my cat, Barney :))

Avoid Bulk Bins, Common Sources of Allergens

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 03:14:40 +0000

Bulk bins are reasonable and inviting, but they are also havens for common food allergens. Avoid the bulk bin if you want to steer clear of allergens, especially gluten, peanuts, soy, dairy, and nuts (so sorry!) Besides the interchangeability of the scoops in the store, bulk items are often cross contaminated during processing, b/c bulk items are commonly processed w/ allergenic foods.

Use Chia Seed Powder as an Egg Replacer

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 00:11:30 +0000

Just like Flax Seed Only Better

Ground flax seeds are becoming a common and very successful replacement for eggs, but did you know that you can also use chia seed powder?

I've been experimenting with this for the last several months (recipes coming soon) and the ratio of chia powder to liquid is 1 to 1, just like ground flax seed. In other words, 1 tablespoon (TBS) of ground chia seeds + 1 tablespoon (TBS) of water = 1 egg.

You can also use coffee or clear apple juice instead of water to add a little recipe appropriate flavor if making muffins or sweet breads.

Can you use whole chia? You can, but chia seeds soak up a ton of water, so your bread or muffins will be more like pudding - very, very moist. So if you want your muffins to turn out like muffins, grind your chia seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor first, then measure.

Using chia seeds rather than flax also helps increase the ratio of non-fish-derived Omega 3's in your diet, since chia is heavier in Omega 3's than is flax seed.

Snowbound w/o any allergen-free soap to shower with?

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 22:28:15 +0000

Snowbound w/o any allergen-free soap to shower with? Use baking soda &/ or olive oil. Baking soda is a wonderful exfoliant & cleanser for you entire body, you can even use it on your head and hair. You can also use olive oil, too. Why? fresh oil dissolves the oil & dirt that has packed into your pores. Cover your face and body w/olive oil, then take a warm, wet cloth and wipe it off. The only drawback here, is that if you do this regularly in the shower, the oil could clog your drain a bit. I also use olive oil as a moisturizer after a shower. Smooth onto wet skin and dab your sweet self w/ a towel.

Thanksgiving Tip: How to get a gluten-free turkey

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 02:09:19 +0000

As you get to your local grocery or local farm to pick up your turkeys, remember that your gluten-free guests need a turkey that is gluten-free. "What?" There has been a common, yet declining practice of injecting the turkey or chicken with a broth or saline solution that contains gluten (in order to plump the bird). This is especially true for pre-prepared and pre-roasted birds. If your bird is pre-herbed, or has a seasoning package with it, pass on it. Seasoning mixes often contain gluten as well.

Make sure to double check with the processor of your turkey or chicken to make sure it is not injected with broth. Your best bet is to find a local farm who is in charge of the complete processing of the turkey, but there are more and more mainstream processors who are offering gluten-free turkeys.

Jenni-O Fresh Whole Turkey

Butterball Frozen Whole Turkey

Read more about the Most Surprising Places for Hidden Gluten

Charcoal Briquettes Can Contain Gluten - Opt for 100% Pure Wood Charcoal

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 16:41:14 +0000

Becky, from a local Celiac Support Center in Grand Rapids - which also runs their Gluten-Free Food Fair, let me know about this. Many charcoals have a form of starch, usually wheat-based (but also could be corn, rice, or potato), that holds the charcaol in the briquette form, and allows a controlled burn. There is a risk that the gluten from the briquette could be inhaled, as well as get on the food cooked over it and digested. Your best bet is to use a 100% wood charcoal (lump charcoal) that can be found at major hardware store chains and some grocery stores. It looks like lumps of burnt wood, not the pillow shaped briquettes. It might be a little harder to light, but what's a little BBQ adventure, as opposed to taking a risk with your health?

Check Your Retainer (& other Dental Products) for Gluten (Really)

Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Foodie — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 16:08:55 +0000

Do you have a retainer? It might contain gluten. Yes, a new study is finding that gluten, a common additive in plastics (particularly plasticized methacrylate polymer), can keep a celiac patient from going into full remission. Check with your dentist to see what your retainer and/or bite splint contains and research every ingredient that is not in plain language.

Here's the direct study link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24137038/?i=1&from=celiac+disease

Also check these other dental products - and please note that because these products do not fall under the regulations of "food", gluten may not be listed in the ingredients:

Minted dental floss
Toothpaste
Polishing paste
Flouride
Topical Anesthetic

Read more . . .

Update 3/4/2014: Here is a post on Triumph Dining indicating that the study findings were not conclusive - that the plastics in the retainer material may not leach out enough over time to cause alarm.Two dieticians, Amy Jones, MS, RD and Tricia Thompson, MS, RD, contacted the lead author of the study and came to this conclusion:

Amy Jones, MS, RD and Tricia Thompson, MS, RD

The original study led the dietitians to contact the lead author. After discussing, both were still not convinced of the retainer’s guilt in the diagnosis. Due to the half life of tTG (which is 6 months) and an outdated report on the contents of methylmethacrylate (from 1971), Amy Jones and Tricia Thompson concluded that “enough gluten would leach from the retainer to cause an increase in tTG levels seems a bit extraordinary.” - See more at: http://www.triumphdining.com/blog/2014/03/04/is-there-a-link-between-orthodontic-retainers-and-gluten-intolerance/?utm_source=Triumph+Dining+List&utm_campaign=c4ab154054-Newsletter+7%2F23%2F13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9c15f454b-c4ab154054-122078121#sthash.PFDy2d3Q.dpuf

The original study led the dietitians to contact the lead author. After discussing, both were still not convinced of the retainer’s guilt in the diagnosis. Due to the half life of tTG (which is 6 months) and an outdated report on the contents of methylmethacrylate (from 1971), Amy Jones and Tricia Thompson concluded that “enough gluten would leach from the retainer to cause an increase in tTG levels seems a bit extraordinary.

This may put some fears to rest, but this will be an interesting study to follow.